Local journalist, human rights worker convicted for terror financing

A REGIONAL COURT on Thursday found community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights worker Marielle Domequil guilty of terrorism financing, while acquitting them of separate charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The ruling, presided over by Judge Georgina Uy Perez of Tacloban Regional Trial Court Branch 45, convicted the pair of violating Republic Act No. 10168, a law criminalizing the provision of funds to designated terrorist organizations.

The defense team expressed sharp disagreement with the conviction, describing the legal basis for the terrorism financing charge as being in “legal limbo.” Ruben Palomino, counsel for the accused, noted that the weapons charges — which were filed first — were all dismissed for lack of evidence, suggesting the financing charge was an “afterthought” by the prosecution.

Kyle Domequil, spokesperson for the Tacloban 5 Network, said the family had expected a full acquittal based on a recent Court of Appeals decision that found insufficient evidence linking the accused to the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) condemned the conviction, labeling it an act of injustice and a threat to press freedom. Prior to their 2020 arrest, Ms. Cumpio served as the executive editor of Eastern Vista where she reported on military and police abuses, while Ms. Domequil worked as a staff member for the faith-based group Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.

The NUJP argued that the verdict creates a chilling effect, making it harder for journalists to cover sensitive community issues without fear of state retribution.

International observers and rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have closely monitored the proceedings. The NUJP acknowledged that the solidarity of the diplomatic corps and the Media Freedom Coalition was vital in ensuring the well-being of the defendants during their lengthy detention since the February 2020 raids.

The lawyers added they will immediately seek a motion for reconsideration and apply for bail while the case is elevated to higher courts. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking